Ranch Rotini Bake with Beef and Corn
This Ranch Rotini Bake with Beef and Corn is a comforting, creamy pasta casserole combining tender rotini, savory ground beef, sweet corn, and a luscious ranch seasoning. Baked to golden perfection with melty cheddar cheese, it’s an easy, family-friendly meal that’s ready in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Contains Gluten and Dairy
Pasta and Meat
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
Vegetables
- 1 cup canned corn, drained
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy and Sauce
- 4 oz cream cheese (full-fat recommended)
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix (about 1 oz)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with chopped onion and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper, breaking up the beef until fully cooked and fragrant. Drain any excess fat.
- Prepare the Creamy Ranch Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, ranch dressing mix, and milk. Stir until smooth and creamy to create the sauce base.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked rotini, browned beef mixture, drained canned corn, and the creamy ranch sauce until everything is evenly coated.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Notes
- Don’t overcook pasta since it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Drain excess fat from ground beef to avoid greasiness.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for richest flavor and texture.
- Mix ingredients well to ensure the ranch sauce coats everything evenly.
- For a crispier top, add extra shredded cheese before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 560 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: ranch, rotini, pasta bake, casserole, ground beef, corn, cheesy, easy dinner, family meal